Ralph W. Tilley
Ralph W. Tilley, 76, 111 East Main Street, Vevay, passed away Wednesday, June 28th, at Jewish Hospital in Louisville.
He was born November 5th, 1929, in King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, the second son of James Byron, Sr., and Elizabeth Campbell Tilley, who both preceded him in death. As a child he enjoyed his parents, his dog “Deacon”, swimming, and sports of all kinds. He also began a working career at a young age for the Cincinnati Enquirer, running the local paper route for six years through the eighth grade. He also worked as a farm laborer, janitor at Sullivan’s Pharmacy, waiter and general helper at Scott’s Confectionery. He was raised in Vevay, and was a 1947 graduate of Vevay High School, where he played basketball for four years and varsity for three years, softball, and served as the class president. During this time he worked as the assistant town mail carrier and worked the laundry route for Reed’s Laundry in Madison. He also served as a clerk and delivery boy for Wiley’s Grocery and Scott’s Confectionery. He also worked as the janitor at the school.
He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and was a life scout. He received his business degree in 1951, from Indiana University. During college he worked in the summers at Seagram’s Distillery in Lawrenceburg and worked in the kitchen for the fraternity. He also served in the ROTC program at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado. He also was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, served as chairman of the 1951 Military Ball.
He was united in marriage on June 17th, 1951, to Jean Trowbridge, at the Scottsburg United Methodist Church. This union was blessed with two daughters and a son.
He was inducted into the U. S. Air Force on July 18th, 1951, and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, serving in the Korean War at the 2466th AFRCTC Air Force Base. He was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the Yakota Air Force Base in Japan. He was honorably discharged on April 3rd, 1953, from Atterbury Air Force Base in Columbus, receiving the Korean Service Medal and the UN Service Medal. He reenlisted in the Air Force and rose to the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged on July 23rd, 1968, from the Department of the Air Force Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver, Colorado.
He was employed as a car distributor for the Studebaker Corporation in South Bend and Kansas City and was responsible for eight states for several years earlier in his life. He had worked for the Vevay Deposit Bank in Vevay for 42 1/2 years, retiring as chairman and Chief Operating Officer; at the time of his retirement he had held all officer positions in the bank. He had served on the board of directors of Vevay Deposit Bank for many of those years. He was a founding member and past president of The Community Banker’s Association in Indianapolis, member of the Indiana Banker’s Association, served as secretary, vice president and president of region five and a member of the board of directors; member of the Independent Banker’s Association of Indiana, and was a founding member, as well as serving in all capacities of that board; he had served as the Indiana director for three years for the Independent Banker’s Association of America; he had served as a director of Southeastern Indiana Bancorp; he was a member of Who’s Who in Business in the USA.
He had served as president of the Vevay-Switzerland County Foundation since 1978. He was a member of the Vevay American Legion Post 185; the Vevay VFW Post 5396; served on the board of directors of SWITZCO Natural Gas Company; and member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Vevay; served as treasurer for the Vevay Sesquicentennial in 1963; he served as a director for the Local Boy Scouts of America Hoosier Hills Council; he had served as chairman of the American Cancer Society; served as treasurer for the Switzerland County Industrial Corporation; member of the Switzerland County Economic Development Committee; member and organizer of the Vevay Town Park Board; chairman of the Switzerland County Medical Doctor Search Team; member of Ruter Chapel United Methodist Church in Vevay. He had served in many capacities in the community, associations, clubs and affiliations that he participated in; he gave countless hours to anything he took part in. He leaves a legacy of community service to the citizens of Vevay and Switzerland County. He made a final statement in his notes that the highlight of his life was his wife Jean and his three children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Trowbridge Tilley of Vevay; two daughters, Claudia Jean Wendling and husband Fred of Burke, Virginia, and Carol Lynn Tilley of Terre Haute; his grandson, Christopher Michael Wendling of Burke, Virginia; his granddaughters, Elizabeth Marie Wendling of Burke, Virginia, and Stephanie Lauren Tilley of Morristown, Indiana; three nieces, two nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Byron, Sr. and Elizabeth Campbell Tilley; his son, Ralph Steven “Steve” Tilley, who died May 30th, 2005; his brother, J.B. Tilley who died July 18th, 1997; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence W. and Connie Trowbridge.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 9th, at 4 p.m., at Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay, officiated by Teresa Bovard Lyons, Howard Wiesmann, and Evelina Brown. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Vevay American Legion Post 185, Vevay VFW Post 5396 and the Ceremonial Unit from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will conduct military rites at the memorial service. Private graveside services will be conducted with burial in Vevay Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Switzerland County Emergency Unit Endowment. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.haskellandmorrison.com.
Leo P. Stout
Leo P. Stout, 88, of Rising Sun, passed away Saturday, July 1st, at Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg.
He was born April 6th, 1918, in Jennings County, the son of Phillip Walter and Vina (Dickey) Stout. He was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1936, in Jefferson County.
On October 21st, 1939, he married Freda Vernon, who died May 24th, 2002.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a retired sales clerk and deliveryman for C & R Auto Parts in Madison. He was a member of the Rising Sun VFW.
Survivors include his daughters, Judith Ann “Judy” Hastings and husband Rodney and Audrey Jean “Jeanie” Liggett and husband Mick, all of Rising Sun; his grandchildren, Ricky Dale Liggett, Michael Wayne Liggett, and Shelley Lynn Johnson; and his great-grandchildren, Jacob Michael Liggett, Brenden Kyle Liggett, Kreigh Keith Liggett, Trace Johnson and Canaan Johnson.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Walter Olin Stout; and his sisters, Lucille, Grace and Ruth.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, July 5th, by Pastor Dan Hunt at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun. Burial was in the Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rising Sun Fire Department, Rising Sun Life Squad, or the American Cancer Society.
Grace Whitham
Grace (Giesler) Whitham, 785, of Madison, formerly of Versailles, passed away Tuesday, June 27th, at Hickory Creek of Madison.
She was born May 29th, 1931, in Jefferson County, the daughter of Albert and Sarah Alice (Herring) Giesler, who both preceded her in death. She was raised near the Canaan community and was a member of the Hick’s Ridge Baptist Church on Hick’s Ridge.
She was united in marriage in 1948, to Don R. “Bunny” Whitham. Unto this union two daughters arrived to bless their home. He passed away August 1st, 1973.
She went to work in 1947, for the U.S. Shoe Corporation, working for many years in Vevay and the last couple of years at the Osgood plant, retiring in 1993. She moved to Cross Plains in 1973, residing there for several years. She later moved to Versailles, living there until 2005, when she moved to Madison.
She was a member of the West Street Ministries in downtown Madison. She played bingo, working word search puzzles, her church, visiting with her friends at McDonald’s in Versailles. She also enjoyed socializing with her friends at Madison Heritage Apartments.
Survivors include her daughters, Faye Stewart and husband Michael G., Sr., and Judy Luckett and husband Gary, all of Milton, Kentucky; her sister, Margie Sexton of Charlestown; her grandchildren, Michelle A. White, Michael G. Stewart, Jr., Gary Luckett, Jr., and wife Renee, and Gretchen Perry and husband George Thomas; her great-grandchildren, Brittany, Ashley, Nick, Breanan, Katie, Kaila, and Brayden; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Jarvis on March 29th, 2001 and Martha Hunton on June 20th, 2001; her brothers, John, George, Lewis, James, Florene Eugene and Horace Raymond Giesler.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, June 30th, by Reverend Jerry Wheeler at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre in Madison. Interment was in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Madison. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Central Indiana. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.morgan-nay.com.
Virginia R. Johnson
Virginia R. “Jenny” (Andrew) Johnson, 81, of Madison, passed away Saturday, July 1st, at King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison.
She was born January 31st, 1925, in Trimble County, Kentucky, the daughter of Elmer and Ruby Violet Andrew, who both preceded her in death. She was raised in Trimble County and attended school there.
She was first united in marriage to Bud Wingham in 1940. Unto this union four daughters arrived. She was united in marriage June 14th, 1968, in Carrollton, Kentucky to Charles A. Johnson. Unto this union a son came into the family.
She had resided in Jefferson County for many years and attended North Madison Christian Church as her health permitted. She retired in 1992 from the Madison Consolidated High School where she had worked as a cook for 17 years. She enjoyed her grandchildren, collecting dolls and figurines.
Survivors include her husband, Charles A. Johnson of Madison; her daughters, Ruthie Lockridge and husband Rodger D. of Madison and Sue Hale and husband Kenneth of Louisville; her stepson, Dennis Johnson and wife Linda of Madison; her sisters, Bonnie Mahoney of Madison, Joann Rutherford of Hanover, and Nancy Michaels of Madison; her grandchildren, Jim, Monna, Jason, Robin, Rodney, Regin, and Troy; her step-grandchildren, Devin and Kyla; 23 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was also preceded in death by her daughters, Shirley Wingham in 1946, and Vicky L. Edrington on July 28th, 2003; her grandsons, Ryan D. Lockridge on September 12th, 1976, and Robbie Neal Edrington on August 2nd, 1998; and her brothers, Uhel, James T. and Randall Andrew.
Funeral services will be conducted by Brother Bob Hicks at 11 a.m. Friday, July 7th, at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre in Madison. Interment will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Madison. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. today (Thursday) and from 9 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Huntington’s Disease or Leukemia Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.morgan-nay.com.
Wilford Keith, Jr.
Wilford “Junior” Keith, Jr., 67, of near Center Square, passed away Sunday, July 2nd, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.
He was born July 27th, 1938, in Switzerland County, the son of James Wilford and Avis O. (Chase) Keith, who both preceded him in death. He was raised in Switzerland County, residing there all his life. He attended school in Switzerland County and was of the Methodist faith.
He began working for the U.S. Shoe Corporation in Vevay, working there for six years. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on September 5th, 1961, in Louisville, rising to the rank of Private First Class, serving the 6th U.S. Army, 576th Ord. Co. at Fort Lewis, Washington, during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from the reserves on September 4th, 1967, at Fort Lewis.
He retired from MacKay, Inc., in Florence, Kentucky, where he worked for 10 years as a copper plater in the plating department. He also worked previously for Alton Box Company in Aurora for 19 years in operations. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, fishing, tinkering and being Mr. Fix it Man. He was a devoted husband, father and papaw.
Survivors include his wife, Martha A. Sigmon Keith of Vevay; his son, Steven Keith and wife Carla of Rising Sun; his daughter, Lori Burgess and husband Tony of Vevay; his sisters, Juanita Koons of Fairview, Hazel Knaus of Vevay, and Sarah McCreary of Allensville; his brothers, Jonas Keith of Florence, Larry Keith of Dillsboro, and Roy Keith of Vevay; his grandchildren, Brandi, Kayla and Collin; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Denver, Albert Wayne, Hubert Wesley, Kirby, Paul Dean, Clifford, Leon and an unnamed infant brother; and an unnamed infant sister.
Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Ronald Sandidge at 11 a.m. today (Thursday) at Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay. Burial will be in New Liberty Cemetery near East Enterprise with full military rites conducted at the graveside by Vevay American Legion Post 185 and Vevay VFW Post 5396. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time today (Thursday). Memorial contributions may be made to the Switzerland County Chapter of the American Cancer Society or New Liberty Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.haskellandmorrison.com.
Mary L. Shelley
Mary L. (Barnes) Shelley, 73, of Madison, passed away Friday, June 30th, at Hickory Creek of Madison.
She was born January 31st, 1933, in Milton township in Jefferson County, the daughter of Roy Edward and Pauline Edna (Green) Barnes, who both preceded her in death. She resided in Jefferson County all of her life and was a 1952 graduate of Central High School.
She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Halls Ridge since August 10th, 1952, and was raised in the Macedonia Baptist Church.
She was united in marriage December 29th, 1951. Unto this union one daughter and one son arrived to bless their home.
She was employed for 31 years by Grote Industries in Madison as a machinist. She was an avid bowler, winning several trophies and patches. She had been a member of the Ladies of the Madison Moose Lodge No. 765 and was a life member of the WIBC. She enjoyed sewing and was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed canning.
Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Jean Laughlin and companion Tim Dunlap of Madison; her son, David Shelley and wife Rita of Vevay; her brothers, Ronald Barnes and wife Sue of Milton, Kentucky and Robert “Bobby” Barnes and wife Bonsetta of Lexington, Indiana; her sisters, Jean Amenta of San Antonio, Texas and Sue Turner and husband Wayne of Madison; her grandchildren, Sara Faye Laughlin, Adam and Jenna Shelley; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Charles E., Leroy and Raymond E. Barnes.
Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Ron Lee at 1 p.m. today (Thursday) at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre in Madison. Burial will be in Brooksburg Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time today (Thursday) at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brooksburg Cemetery Association. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.morganwebsternay.com.
Don Dixon
Don Dixon, 70, of Madison, formerly of Switzerland County, passed away Saturday, July 1st, at Jewish Hospital in Louisville.
He was born May 4th, 1936, in Switzerland County, the son of Kirby Van and Laura Bell (Osborne) Dixon, who both preceded him in death. He was raised in Switzerland County near Lamb, residing there most of his life. He was a 1954 graduate of Vevay High School. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from April 18th, 1956, until he was honorably discharged from the reserved on April 17th, 1962. He held the rank of Lance Corporal and had served as commander of the marine air reserve training.
He was united in marriage to Laura Ross in 1957. Unto this union two daughters and a son arrived to bless their home. He was later united in marriage to Doris Johnson on June 5th, 1972, at the Florence Church of Christ. They enjoyed nearly 26 years of marriage until her death on January 8th, 1998. He was later married on September 8th, 2000, at the First Christian Church of Hanover to Barbara King Walters.
He retired after 15 1/2 years of service as an electrical and instrument technician with Elf-Ato Chem in Carrollton, Kentucky. He previously worked at Rexnord in Madison for 23 years. He served as a reserve deputy sheriff for 23 years with the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Department and also served with the Vevay Town Police.
He was an avid hunter and was a great supporter and member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially driver Jeff Gordon and watching IU basketball. He was very active in his community and had served as treasurer for the Democrat Party, as a precinct committeeman and on the advisory board. He also served on the Switzerland County Senior Housing Board for Switzer Square. He was a very active member in the CAM Car Club in Madison and was a member of the Moorefield Church of Christ. He was currently attending the First Christian Church of Hanover.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara King Walters Dixon of Madison; his daughters, Cindy Quick and husband Bob of Madison and Chris Bilz and husband Tony of Madison; his son, Tim Dixon and wife Blanch of Madison; his stepdaughter, Catherine Walsh and husband Barry of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his stepson, Robert Dale Walters of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his sisters, Madeleine Walters of Danville, Kentucky, Amy Lush of Louisville, Lettie Wilson of Madison, Etta Royce of North Vernon, Vonna Haines of North Vernon, Joyce Meredith of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, Carolyn Altepeter of Seymour, and Evelyn Rose of Vevay; his brothers, Harold Dixon of Madison, Gerald Dixon of Milton, Kentucky, Dale Dixon of Vevay, and Keith Dixon of Kent; his grandchildren, Tracy Quick, Terrina, Logan and Callum Dixon, Claire Bilz and Kyle Brandon Graham; his great-granddaughter, Paige Morris; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Sue Sturtzel, Clara Marie Dixon, Laura Marie Dixon, and an unnamed infant sister; and his brothers, Gail William, Mickey Wayne, Hubert and Kirby Nelson Dixon.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, July 5th, by Brother Roy Duckworth and Reverend James Sparks at Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home. burial was in Brooksburg Cemetery with military honors conducted at the graveside by Vevay American Legion Post 185 and Vevay VFW Post 5396. The Switzerland County Sheriff’s Department and Vevay Town Police honored him during visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Switzerland County Emergency Unit Endowment or Switzerland County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.haskellandmorrison.com
Mary Jane Alexander
Mary Jane Alexander, 67, of East Enterprise, passed away Thursday, June 29th, at her home.
She was born January 11th, 1939, in Quercus Grove, the daughter of Ralph and Evelyn (Stancombe) Galbreath. She was a graduate of Patriot High School, Class of 1957. During her childhood and recently she attended Quercus Grove United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Rising Sun Church of Christ. She also went on mission trips to Haiti.
She received her registered nursing degree from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in 1961. She graduated from Purdue University with a sociology degree in 1970. She was a retired registered nurse at Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. She worked in the Intensive Care Unit at Dearborn County Hospital and also with follow-up care through the Emergency Room.
She was a member and officer of Tri Kappa, member and past president of Eggleston Club, both of Vevay, member of the Red Hat Society, Ohio County Garden Club, Advisory Council for LifeTime Resources, Global Health Ministries with missions to Honduras and China.
On September 1st, 1963, she married James D. “Jim” Alexander, who died December 8th, 2003.
Survivors include her daughters, Sheri McMonigle and husband Kyle of Germantown, Ohio, Laura Stahl and husband Mike of Rising Sun, and Christy Hewitt and husband David of East Enterprise; her brother, Ralph “Sonny” Galbreath and wife Abby of Vevay; her sisters, Carolyn Green and husband Ivan of Quercus Grove and Beverly Cherry and husband Mark of New Castle; her sister-in-law, Matilda Galbreath of East Enterprise; her grandchildren, Alexander, Macy Rae, Levi and Carley McMonigle, Veronica, Derek and Shelby Stahl, Olivia and Drew Hewitt; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15th, by Brothers Don Thomason and Don Campbell at Rising Sun Church of Christ. Burial will be in Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jane Alexander Memorial Fund.